Drink driver smashed in to pub wall

A DRINK driver was almost twice over the limit when he was involved in a police chase before crashing into a wall outside a pub.

A court heard Stephen Hey “demolished” an electricity box after losing control of his car and crashing head-on into the wall in front of the Red Lion, Alverthorpe, Wakefield.

Leeds Crown Court was told the impact was so severe that the vehicle “rebounded” back into the centre of Batley Road.

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A judge told Hey: “It was only by the grace of God no one was injured during this appalling piece of driving, let alone killed.” Leeds Crown Court heard Hey had a passenger with him in his VW Golf when police signalled for him to stop on Horbury Road on June 21 this year.

Hey, 41, sped off towards Wakefield city centre and reached double the speed limiting.

The self-employed roofer then turned on to Lawefield Lane before returning to Horbury Road.

He drove along Westgate End and Alverthorpe Road before losing control of the vehicle and striking the wall outside the Red Lion.

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Hey, of Marshall Avenue, Hall Green, Wakefield, and his passenger were both left dazed by the impact. He pleaded guilty to drink driving, dangerous driving and failing to stop.

The court heard Hey has a long history of drink and drug problems. James Littlehales said Hey was motivated to address his offending behaviour.

He was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Hey was also made the subject of a curfew for four months and ordered to take part in an alcohol treatment programme for nine months.